OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
Meet Our Interim Pastor and Music Director
We are a small but growing congregation and are blessed to have a part-time interim pastor, a highly talented music director, and many volunteers that keep our church running in these difficult times!
Hyattstown Christian Church calls the Rev. Yakelin Santos as Interim Minister. Although the Rev. Santos has been helping HCC providing occasional pulpit supply, she officially begins her pastoral services on Sunday, January the 12th 2025.
Biographical Notes
The Rev. Santos was born and grew up in Puerto Rico where her entire family resides. She is a third-generation minister of the Disciples of Christ denomination. In 1987, Rev. Santos obtained, from the University of Puerto Rico, a BA degree with majors in Acting (Drama) and History. Later, she obtained a master’s degree from the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico. She worked as a high school teacher and, also as a College professor for 17 years.
Rev. Santos is member of First Christian Church Alexandria, Virginia. She also serves the Disciples of Christ Capital Region in different capacities. She is a bi-vocational minister currently working for the Department of Defense.
Matthew J. Dohm
Music Director, Organist/Pianist
Matthew J. Dohm joined us as the Music Director, Organist, and Pianist at the start of his Freshman year at University of Maryland in 2011. At the time, he did not know how to play the pipe organ and had someone at the University teach him on campus. Matthew quickly began playing it in church (including the foot pedals!) and you would never know he hasn’t played it his entire life. When chimes were installed in the organ, he quickly began playing those too! He is a gifted pianist, director, and vocal coach.
Matthew received his BA in Music from the University of Maryland, College Park, studying under Bradford Gowen and Larissa Dedova. While completing his degree, Matthew completed extensive coursework in music performance and education. He is an accomplished pianist and also plays the guitar, violin, viola, bass, cello, and organ.
As a music director for several organizations and an instructor for private individuals, large groups, and schools, Matthew teaches works that expand the artistic palate and provides academic objectives that improve tone and technique. He designs rehearsals that balance short-term (performance) and long-term (pedagogical) goals. Teaching musicians of all ages and skill levels, Matthew helps develop a strong foundation in music literacy, robust instrumental skills, and healthy vocal techniques.
We are very fortunate to have him as part of our church family.
